Two late subs, two great goals as Pickford saves Blues

Coleman back in — woo hoo!

Simply 3 points — it's gotta be ain't it?

Imagine if Kenny wasn't a local boy and he was a German or a Swede... too many biased fans.

Full of threat this side.

"One of the reasons we like football is because, unlike the daily mundanity of being us, we're not quite sure what's going to happen. However: then you have Everton.

Let's hope it's the first Everton that turns up today!

"They could quite conceivably batter Palace this afternoon, just as they could quite conceivably be battered by Palace this afternoon, just as they could quite conceivably perpetrate everything in between. And it's been like this for 30 years".

The team is very top heavy with technical players against a side that will counter.

The duel between Zaha and Coleman will be interesting – both only nominally fit coming off injuries.

It feels like a good selection.

Jonjoe Kenny's performances at right-back have been superior to Seamus, even with the difficult 1st half he endured against Leicester.

I'm with Dave Abrahams. Tough on Kenny to be dropped.

A mixture of curiosity and anxiety to see just how Gomes fits in and shapes up in this team.

Coleman will do better against Zaha one-on-one – he doesn't commit and fly in or go to ground as much as Kenny so I'm with Marco Silva on this one.

This game is made for Lookman's big break. Fingers crossed he comes on in the second half if we can't break through. For the record, I am not a fan of Kenny either, for the debate going on.

We are getting the ball out wide, but both Bernard and Walcott have both been poor with both their touch and ability to beat a man.

Not for the 1st time we are again too ponderous in possession and not doing enough to move the solid defensive block of Palace around.

Lookman on for one of the wide men may be the key.

Great subs! Great finish.

Great subs from Silva. Fortune favours the brave, and he went all out for the three points. Great to see that positive approach from an Everton manager!

Could have made the subs earlier for me. Bernard in particular had a mare, but the 3 subs won it for us.

And let's not forget the importance of Pickford's penalty save.

Although he had some wobbly moments, I thought Gomes gave us a glimpse of what he could add to the team.

A hard earned 3 points, just about merited.

Lookman gets bigged up on here a lot, and today he delivered when it counted. But Calvert-Lewin and Tosun both get a lot of stick. Stoked for them to get on the score sheet.

I was also pleased for Gomes who looks a class act. This is a great win to keep the momentum going. I think we can get something at Old Trafford next week.

Much better atmosphere today. The crowd were positive at kick off. They did become subdued when not much was happening. But the most important thing was that there was no moans and groans and getting at the players. Then the ground was bouncing after the second.

I think that the gloom has finally lifted and we're going to see the bear pit back in a few games.

We need to just go for it, as we did today. Nothing to lose in the least.

The two late subs – putting on two pair of fresh, young legs to win the game – was fantastic.

Playing to win needs to continue to be the norm. Again, there's no downside this season.

Have a go, Marco.

Great game.

Walcott and Bernard really struggled to isolate defenders. There was no space at all for Gylfi.

Credit where it's due. There was no lack of effort. And Silva doesn't seem one to let games pass him by – he went for it!

Pleased for Dominic and Cenk. Gives us something to think about. Especially at home.

Gomes was okay; he should have come off sooner though. Sigurdsson always looks dangerous. Brilliant from Pickford again. We needed that. Let's do the Mancs next!

Keane has been very solid in the back. I agree with you 100%. He's having an excellent season and continues to improve.

I don't see the barge-turning any longer either. He's quicker on his feet and attacks the ball more instead of letting the situation play him.

He's been fantastic.

Gomes played well, but was bound to tire and should have gone earlier. We were crying out for a target man at half-time, and Lookman got 8 minutes when we were struggling to score... against Palace!

Generally I'm very encouraged, but the use of substitutions (or lack of) has been very frustrating.

A way to go yet, but the excitement is returning and this could be a decent team. Wembley maybe? If we take the FA Cup properly seriously.

We did struggle to create chances though with neither of the front 4 replicating their electric form against Leicester. Walcott and Bernard were especially mediocre.

Gomes looked sharp and tidy. Carried the ball well and mostly made the right decisions.

Gueye was MotM for me, he tackled, pressed and cleaned up countless situations. Though the best player on the pitch was probably Zaha; if only we'd paid Palace 㿈m for him instead of Bolasie who is struggling at Villa!

Zouma has been excellent also. Gomes did very well, considering he's lacking match fitness. Heading to Old Trafford with plenty of confidence.

I take it back: he is doing a good job and I wholly support the guy.

Okay, today wasn't great but I can see what the guy is doing and I support that.

Andy, I stand corrected. ;-)

Made up for Tosun scoring that goal. I really want him to be a success with us.

Great end to game.

Good positive subs by Silva that proved decisive in getting all 3 points today and Lookman can hopefully push Walcott for a starting place very soon. It wasn't a great game but sometimes you have to be patient for the chances to come.

I thought the ref had an okay game but that was never a penalty!

It turned out a tad harder, a lot of it our own making, although thankfully we did secure the three points, a fairly organised Palace side with better finishing could have made the result so different.

A stark lesson to be learnt in 'not counting chickens before they hatch'. Let's face it, we are a work in progress but, while there are signs we are going in the right direction, there are equally painful reminders on how much further we need to go.

Wins do bring confidence though, and another 3 points are slowly pushing us up the table, but at a couple of junctures in today's game, I was thinking Huddersfield, or – even worse – West Ham!

There was no player who was really bad today, or alternatively anyone who really stood out either; although, having said that, considering it was his first outing in a blue shirt, I felt Gomes did well.

If I had to nominate a MotM performance, I would give it to Gana Gueye, the man is a machine and keeps going for 90 minutes; he covers every blade of grass, but he does let himself down with his erratic passing.

All-in-all, another welcome three points, but hopefully back to the drawing board before our visit to Man Utd.

We have to get a Plan B for corners against big defenders.

Happy Blue.

Three wins on the run.

Palace played really well today but I thought we deserved the 3 points.

I was thinking this starting 11 was our strongest for over 20 years. Bernard and Walcott didn't have great games but it looked slippy and for some reason all players seemed to be unable to turn quickly – which probably affected Bernard most of all.

We are so different from last season, I really hope we go to Old Trafford looking for the win and smash them to bits. Top 6 is definitely up for grabs this season, with the World Cup and Champions League taking its toll on our rivals who will become more fatigued.

Gomes can play, and so can Everton now as well. Loads of rushed passes spoiled loads of good play but we have movement and skill and effort now. Although the game could have gone either way, I'm obviously made up we won it, especially because I can now see good things really beginning to take shape.

Things are looking good now but we could have been in the top 4 easy with better finishing / keeping 11 men in the pitch.

Silva then played his part to mix it up and it worked out well. I think a few players were a little off with mistimed passes etc but I don't think we were bad per se.

2. Allardyce gone... Even Better!!!

3. Silva here... Evertonians can actually enjoy games again.

Football is such a simple game, often made complicated by pompous idiots.

The game now is all about moving the ball quickly up-field, like Liverpool do. It was a big problem for us last season as well.

We were the best team but, if their penalty goes in, I doubt very much that we would have scored twice.

Small margins.

Things didn't always go right today but all around me I could hear and feel that things were different. People still moaned, but in the main appreciated what the team was trying to do and what Silva is trying to do.

There were patches where we played football that couldn't even have been imagined last season thus was the "zombie" footy we played. We got what we deserved in the end and the team got the ovation they deserved at the end of the game.

For me, MotM was Michael Keane who won almost everything in the air at the back in addition to every header he challenged for from our own corners. I can't wait for MotD2 later.

I thought Palace were pretty rough, they are not the first team to come to Goodison this season with a very “robust” attitude. How many fouls did Zaha commit?

Full marks to Pickford for his crucial penalty save, and to Gueye for a superb performance. Digne's final ball was lacking. Gomes looks short of pace and tackling ability, as some contributors have forewarned, but he can pass the ball.

We are some way off being the finished product, but are certainly making progress.

Gana was very good and so was Zouma; I thought he held the defence together. I think we can still see the faults in the team but it looks like we will continue to improve and, in the long run, we will be on the up and up; I don't feel like this is another false dawn. Much, much better going to the game now.

I didn't feel he was going to score and I didn't feel it would be “one of those days”. You can always talk about ifs and buts but we found a way to win.

Frustrating game for us. I didn't think anyone had a bad game, all a solid 7 (or more in some cases).

The penalty miss changed the game, and we picked up a flow to our game, which Palace had denied us previously. Then our subs upped the tempo! I thought Lookman looked lively... quality cross and a great header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin!

Great reaction from the crowd after the penalty miss! Love the Goodison roar!

With us being the only match played on a Sunday, I doubted very much that we would be on, had it been most other teams especially those above us in the Table, oh wait a minute, we are actually above Man Utd as I type! (long may that last)

Doesn't it make you proud to have a win, and restore our faith in Auntie?

Also Jordan Pickford had maybe his best game, did he make any mistakes at all?

There is plenty of competition for places and I am now a bit confused as to what is the best team to start against Man Utd. There will be plenty of debate between now and then.

Calvert-Lewin and Tosun took their goals well; Pickford, Keane and Gueye played very well and Gomes shows a lot of promise.

I think we will cause Man Utd all sorts of problems.

nb: Zaha is some player too.

Silva should be praised for being positive. COYB!!!

Palace are a very big and physically powerful side and we did well to keep fighting - some of our teams in the past would have allowed them to win the midfield battle but this one didn't. Gomes looked class and will only improve. Gana was immense and Sigurdsson kept at it even though he was finding space hard to find.

The centre-backs were superb and another clean sheet indicates that our defensive troubles of earlier are now being addressed.

Made up for Calvert-Lewin – a great header and great to see the critics on this site conspicuous by their absence. One swallow, etc but is that four or five he has now scored this season? Not bad for a young lad?

With this team we can go to Old Trafford with confidence. Gomes and Bernard will find more space than today and Richarlison will trouble their defence. I think we can compete once this team gets fully bedded in.

The team spirit looks good too!

Antony Taylor – worst ref performance seen in years. Gomes is class and will get better. Silva is God. Also good to hear Goodison Park buzz again.

Without knowing the result I thought we were playing well first half albeit it a bit wasteful in the final third (Richarlison, Bernard and Theo) but we were well in control.

Second half much better but they are a very well organised team. With five minutes to go I as almost accepting a draw and was on the verge of checking out the score as I couldn't take it any more – Glad I didn't.

Thought everyone played well but Gana was a monster in MF. He was everywhere that little bugger and his passing has come on tenfold. My MotM without hesitation.

This team is still gelling and will need time but we are deffo going in the right direction under Silva. Long may it continue. Not since Martinez (season one) have I felt slightly optimistic as now.

Keane had an okay match, on the floor, but was regularly beaten in the air, especially in the first half.

We struggled against Huddersfield and West Ham, at home. Palace seemed to follow the same pattern. The problem, as evident to myself, is that we are a small side in midfield and when teams bully us and kick us, we can get knocked off our rhythm, or struggle to find it in the first place. Today, though, we showed that we would just keep going, keep trying to stick to the game plan and not let them do that. Then when Silva made the subs, and for me it was the perfect time, we were able to turn the dial up to max, to really go for it, to go all in.

I'm reminded of these games under Moyes. Some on here used to refer to our midfield fondly as the "midget gems". Some sides turned up and stopped us playing and Moyes would not risk things. He'd try to win, but he wouldn't take any undue chances and risk defeat. Silva will. He does take risks, he likes to roll the dice, and I really like that. If we roll the dice on three such games, lose one and win the other two, then we've turned 3 points into 6. 3 points for a win favours the bold and the brave.

Palace played very well. They defended well, they got about us, they kicked us, they disrupted our rhythm, particularly when we started so well and looked like scoring very early and running away with it. Credit to them for that. But it's exactly the football we rejected under Allardyce. Silva saw that we had run them hard, and whilst Walcott, Bernard and Gomes were all off the pitch for the match winning moments, they played their part. The trio of subs came on with full tanks and got at a weary defence. Lookman needs to embrace his role as a late sub for now. He can do more against tired legs in a cameo than he can against fresh legs for 90. It's all good experience for him and he needs development before he can rightly say he's better than Walcott.

I made a point about the crowd earlier, and some have also commented. One case I point was when a pass was hit to the right flank. I think by Zouma or Gomes. Lookman could have got it, but he watch Coleman misjudge it, and then miscontrol it with a sliding motion and let it go out of play. Lookman should have made that ball his, he had all the time to do so, and Coleman was never going to get it easily. The crowd knew this, it was 0-0, and usually the groans would come. Not this game, there was encouragement, despite the frustration, and a belief. And this transferred through to the players and so we were able to win the game.

It was far from the best atmosphere at Goodison, not even the best in a short period of time, but the point is that the wind has changed, the gloom has lifted, and Everton, I believe, are ready for lift off.

The penalty save was the turning point as, even though we upped the pressure, we still struggled to hit the target until Silva made the subs, which were needed. Credit to him and, of course, to Jordan Pickford. An all-round excellent performance with the right result.

Next week, although Manure are not totally firing on all cylinders yet, will nevertheless be a bigger kettle of fish (not the fish puns again,= Live Forum Joke!) for us, but I think if he doesn't tinker with today's side we are capable of getting something out of the game.

He got the changes bang on. We needed Bernard and Walcott to run them ragged, and then Lookman was able to come on against defenders who were all but dead on their feet. Any earlier and he'd have not had the same joy. Also, Bernard looked dangerous. He looked like he was slowly getting the beating of the young right back. The double team on him was not getting onto him as quickly as the game wore on. Gomes was always going to tire, taking him off any earlier and Davies would have been on, and then we couldn't have had the triple change that won us the game.

The subs happened at the right time. Sometimes we need to be patient.

That said, I would not expect Richarlison to line up as the number 9 in a home game against another physical side. It's one best left for teams we can hit on the break, ie mainly away.

Mind you, what a prospect Wan-Bissaka looks.

A poor game but Everton have found a way to turn draws into wins. It's been a long time coming.

Good debit for Gomez, Gana ran the show and signs of a squad and strength in depth. JP saves and kicks awe inspiring .

Credit to Silva and the subs for being decisive.. last season we'd have lost this game.

Plenty of hope for the Manure trip.

We have quality across the whole of the front four but we don't interchange passes instinctively and fluidly yet.

Plus the fact we don't excel in one attacking department i.e. speed, strength, height we have got to learn to move the ball a lot quicker between the lines with instinctive one and two touch football and be decisive with our play too many times we will take a touch begore crossing or lately Walcott will turn back when he has to go at and commit his man and Digne for all his endeavour was becoming predictable in his play.

There is also the conundrum that is Sygurdsson, is he really a ten? He can cross and he can shoot given time but are he his feet good enough? Is he very good at finding space and taking the ball in tight situation's and unlocking the door??

I'm not so sure he is that player, Bernard looks more suited to me at the central ten role in these tight games at home but obviously lacks in other areas.

It's a problem for the gaffer to solve but credit to Palace they are a big strong team and they made it difficult for us today they worked there sock's off and it took a great penalty save and some brave substitution's from the gaffer to get us a deserved win today.

Hat's off to Silva for the sub's, Gomes look's to have that touch off class we've been missing and Gueye and Keane were immense.

Onward's and upward's up the toffee's!

The change in subs created problems for a well organised Crystal Palace. Till that point, they easily managed Richarlison at centre-forward, showing up his limits in that role, which I pointed out on a previous thread. When he was called on to fulfil a complete centre-forward role, he showed he's unable to link-up, lay-off, provide overlaps or good passes with Sigurdsson, Bernard or Walcott. Had the penalty been scored, Crystal Palace's gameplan could have worked.

Everton still need a centre-forward. Crystal Palace where unable to adjust to Silva's substitutions.

I see quite a few people expressed enjoyment of the game, presumably even before the great ending. I admit to getting very frustrated but agree it was very competitive cut-and-thrust... but I found the mistakes, the poor control, the inability to string passes together or make much progress trying at times. Admittedly this was the Palace gameplan and we did very well not to succumb to it, even with the penalty call.

So a great result all round, and fantastic to see both Calvert-Lewin and Cenk Tosun finish their chances with power and conviction — that's all we've been asking of our strikers.

That was kind of how I saw Everton's performance today. Not necessarily a scintillating pastime, but very satisfying when it comes off.

Silva picked almost the side I wanted with the emphasis on possession and passing.

A new lesson to learn and fair dos we stuck at it.

Whilst ultimately he got his subs spot on I felt Lookman for Walcott needed to be much earlier. His ability to commit players will trump Walcott's instinct and more direct nature.

Gomes the best player on the field. One-two touch passing with a decent variety often quickened the tempo.

However the goals did guild the Lilly. It was a performance full of endeavour and effort but precious little quality.

I think Silva will, in time, need to change the right side. Both Coleman and Walcott are athletes and instinctive players neither possess a brain as such in footballing terms. It felt like most of our moves broke down on that side.

But a step in the right direction, Everton cannot just coast past that sort of team, they cannot be casual either.

Personally Walcott's days should be numbered.

Two Palace players I'd love in our squad: Zaha, I thought he was awesome today, and the right-back Wan-Bissaka – at 18, he looks frighteningly good.

Still, a great result; we fought to the end and Silva made positive subs. It will be interesting to see how we set out at Old Trafford next week but I'm looking forward to finding out.

Having said that, what about the clown officiating at Man City? Kompany should have been red-carded early before the first City goal and then the ball was clearly out when they scored another.

I can't wait for the TV replay to be used at all games.

Interesting how all our new signings seem to offer something, and great that Keane has turned it around and made it tough for Mina to get in the team.

Bernard was below par, but understandable; he was still dangerous.

Gomes, especially in the second half, did well. Controlled the ball well and passed forwards. I really liked the energy we played with in the second half.

For Man Utd, I'd probably play Tosun for Walcott and stick Bernard out wide. Keep Lookman as a sub for now, his pace and skill can really pull teams apart at the end of games.

Silva deserves credit for seizing the initiative with his substitutions. The heavy caveat is that this was against a struggling team which can't buy a goal at present.

Sigurdsson is more a support striker than a creative Number 10. He was the only front player who looked like scoring in the first half; indeed, the only player who forced a save from Hennessey.

Gomes had an impressive debut but we will expect and need more from him in the weeks ahead especially in respect of moving the team and the ball forward more quickly. Let's hope he can deliver, starting next week at Old Trafford.

About to crack open the first of a few cold ones, I'm so chuffed. [Love that word, work it into my vocab all the time as literally no one says it in America].

Using YouTube, here's pretty much how I feel about today's win and performance, 'Merican style, upper Midwest, Wisconsin.

Link

Having praised Bernard over the last few games, I was very disappointed in him today. I thought he had one of those days and Walcott seems to lose interest in periods of the game.

I thought Lookman and Calvert-Lewin gave us the dynamic that those two were lacking and Tosun kept the centre-backs busy.

A well-deserved three points but it's worrying how we continue to labour for 45 minutes in most games.

Great to see the belief coming back in the crowd and much-improved support for the lads.

Talk of Walcott being finished is premature. Away from home he's vital.

Talk of Tosun or Calvert-Lewin being not up to it is premature. Sure, don't play them to chase lost causes away from home but at Goodison they'll do a good job up top and let Richarlison attack from the flank.

We've finally got another non-defensive central midfielder! Always amazes me when someone like Gomes gets rave reviews. Did he do anything extra special? I think he's just a proper centre midfielder! It's strange there aren't more of his type getting around when they always get praised so much. Instead we get either limited defensive midfielders or attacking midfielders. This guy can carry the ball and put his foot in.

Only right back looks weakish but it's a low pass. I'm happy with Baines backing up Digne (he's almost been worth the wait). Centre-backs well stocked.

Then we've got this ultra-modern passing goalkeeper who is also a throwback to when keepers were known for not playing with a full deck!

Onwards and upwards!

I am not ready to lose Richarlison from CF not least because Bernard has to stay in the side, and whilst Tosun scored a really good goal, neither he nor Calvert-Lewin have the level of skill Richarlison have in holding the ball up. Richie had no problems in that regard and took the physical buffeting. He was let down for the largest part of the game as neither Bernard nor Walcott were at the races. Bernard primarily because he was up against a hugely talented right-back, whilst Walcott seemed off colour.

Coleman is beginning to worry me. It is not the penalty - I think that could have happened to anyone – but his lack of thrust going forward. He strikes me as someone who loves that part of the game and perhaps it affects his defensive side too. He did not contain Schlupp well at all and had Palace had a centre-forward, Zaha playing wide left would have been an even bigger problem for Seamie. However, we have to persist and hope he rediscovers his form.

There was no way Silva got the timing of the subs wrong. Palace started to drop deeper in the final 10 to hold on to their point and at that point we did not need to play through midfield.

Gomes brought back memories of Mikky at his pomp. This lad looks the best of the finds. Let's hope he can live up to the 20-30 minutes in the 2nd half when he was really controlling things.

Lastly, we did get lucky. As with Fulham, we could have easily fallen behind and it would have been a different game. They hit the bar and Pickford made a great save on the penalty. After our bad luck in the early part of the season, things are evening themselves out and we are back to where we expected to be.

Pressure is off next week, and all on Man Utd. They have to win, and they have the record. We can go there knowing if we put on a show they might get frustrated.

There is something so sublime, so magical, even from distance on a computer or television, when Goodison erupts with a goal and goes apeshit. That roar and seeing Gwladys Street jumping up and down; a sea of joy-driven hysteria.

I pray I can see that in person before God rings the bell.

There's something good happening. We're playing some really good stuff. Sure, there's been ups and downs. Personally I've wanted to see more results, the Cup exit was terrible, and we've not played well more than a few times this season. But when we click, it's really, really nice to watch.

I think we're on the up. And I hope to hear that roar often. It's magic.

Everton's pass completion rate in the final third has been poor since the start of the season. 4 at best per game, against Arsenal 2. They have relied on wing play and lately running into channels.

Tosun never turns a defender and most passes are laid off to incoming players, with his back to goal. Richarlison has a very poor final pass completion rate, 0. 75% at best in a game, and Calvert-Lewin is little better, but is better than Tosun positionally.

Lookman in his limited appearances is far better than any of them, regarding passing. That's why Richarlison was partly so ineffective in the centre-forward role. Tosun is far better than him in turnovers, layoffs and overlaps in a tight defence.

Everton still need a complete centre-forward. . . someone like Zaha.

As for yesterday, I would like to give special mention to André Gomes who I thought was the best player on the pitch for long periods.

He's been out a while and oozes class in my view. Two-footed, calm in possession, spraying passes left and right with either foot, even occasionally breaking up play but more often had Gana doing the running for him.

Gomes and Gana in the middle looked excellent yesterday – two central midfield players that properly complimented each other in style and ability. Gomes looked a Rolls-Royce to me. He has a lovely touch, again with either foot, played it short, long, either side, rarely backwards and makes some nice runs, playing through-balls for runners, he has it all.

I can see why Barca bought him, and I hope we keep him on yesterday's evidence.

I am not calling for Walcott to be culled, full stop, but there comes a time when we have to consider Lookman being given that chance. In his short time on the pitch yesterday, he changed the dynamic completely and has a directness with deft of touch about him. Yes, like with Bernard, at times he will frustrate but he sure as damn it scares the hell out of a defender.

I'd love to see us go to Old Trafford and really put it to them. Gana has the snarling ability to break up play and disrupt them and I think our forward line can cause them real problems.

I think our issue is how do we shoehorn everyone in! I personally would be tempted with taking out Sigurdsson and playing Bernard as a Number 10 with Richie out wide and Tosun up top. Lookman in for Walcott.

Jamie Crowley, has called it right from the telly though, and if he ever does get over here, then I hope he sees Goodison bounce like it was at the end.

Football is about loads of things, small details is what they say, but the thing I enjoyed most about yesterday, is that it looks like the team, is bringing the crowd back on-side and, when Everton have got the crowd onside, they will be a match for anyone, imho!

With the quality we now have fighting for a place and ready to step in for injuries or dips in form, we are going places. I am looking at the table and thinking 'how high can we go?' for the first time in a long time.

Yesterday, our Front 4 had a poor day – too many misplaced passes, running into blind alleys, poor decision making. I don't think we troubled their goalkeeper until the last 5 minutes (I count even Siggy's effort which Hennessey saved in the 1st half as quite harmless – because of an underhit pass from Walcott I think). Bernard had a really poor game, and I think Richarlison is most effective out wide – playing ahead of Digne.

We need a proper centre-forward, and I think we have Calvert-Lewin and Tosun who play that role quite well actually, although they are not as clinical in their finishing as we would like. But I feel confident that they will get more consistent in their goal scoring with more games. For Man Utd, at this point, I am inclined towards:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Zouma Digne
Gomes Gueye
Lookman Sigurdsson Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin

Dropping Walcott, Bernard and Tosun to the bench.

What on earth are you complaining about? Silva's substitutions came on and between them got 2 goals and an assist.

How can you suggest that Silva should've brought them on earlier? Bringing them on earlier would have changed the outcome of the game, and you can't possibly know if it would have been positive or negative. How do you know we wouldn't have lost the game?

Maybe Silva knows something (or many things) about the tactics, players and game management that you don't?

The subs worked to perfection. You were also disingenuous about the Leicester result? How on earth can you criticise his management of that game? Saying Sigurdsson got us out of jail is ridiculous. Sigurdsson did what he was on the pitch to do. He's there to create and score goals, and work his arse off.

Silva has been getting it right and deserves praise for the recent performances.

That's the team (apart from Walcott) that will start, I think. Lookman will be used as an impact sub again.

Richarlison, at the moment, is best on the left using his pace and cutting in. I think he will be moved back there.

Clearly I didnt think of the audience before I posted!

It's one of the coolest things in collegiate North American sports. With apologies – very sincere ones – please watch color-blind and forgive the American!

Jeez

We won – despite that horrible Everton-hating Manc – and Silva, Pickford and Gomes deserve great credit: onwards and upwards.

Gomes looked good to me although he tired in the second half and got caught in two minds a couple of times. Walcott needs to work on his finishing when one-on-one with the 'keeper. Tosun and Calvert-Lewin get a lot of stick but they took their goals really well. Bernard and Richarlison were a bit disappointing but they'll improve. Gueye was my MotM. I lost count of the number of tackles he made winning possession back for us.

When Goodison is rocking, like it was after the penalty save, then we are a very hard team to beat.

With Gomes playing I think Calvert-Lewin or Tosun would flourish and get goals. I would be tempted to give Lookman a go ahead of Walcott and maybe Bernard in Sigurdsson's position. I think we have genuine options in most positions.

Yes, we need to be quicker, earlier. Yes, we can do a lot better. I'm starting to feel that we might just do that.

Until the subs came on, Siggy looked the only one likely to score. His workrate is exemplary and he is one of the few players we have who can score from outside the box.

Bernard, by comparison' had a 'mare yesterday and seemed a shadow of the player we have seen in recent games.

I agree with the calls to give Lookman a run in the side. It looks like the lad is interested again and in a good run of form.

I'm not complaining... just making a point. There's a difference, but I'll stick to my opinion.

Your words are very sarcastic and patronising. How dare I question Silva! Saying maybe Silva knows more than me is just childish.

''Sigurddson did what he was on the pitch to do .' You don't say!! what the hell has that got to do with it??

The team is quick enough up top to trouble United on the break to take 3 points. And if we need to change it, we've 3 lads on the bench who can win a match.

Hopefully Juventus give them a really tough game tomorrow night.

Jump forward a year and we have a happy Goodison Park, players playing for each other, hugs and joy at the final whistle. How good to was to see Davies embrace his teammates rather than sulking having been 'rested'?

This is the Everton we have waited three or four seasons to see, since Martinez's first year I would say. We are looking forward rather than dreading the trip to Old Trafford next week. We are by no means the finished article yet but this is such an improvement on 20 October 2017. Long may it continue!

The forward role is indeed an enigma, just when many people were writing off Calvert-Lewin and Tosun, and to a degree Oumar Niasse, up they pop with a goal apiece (Niasse excepted).

Which obviously beggars many questions, was it the lack of service to the two players in the past, or something else? Admittedly Richarlison was playing out of position, and on at least a couple of occasions was guilty of going for glory, when a pass to a better positioned team-mate, may have yielded a goal.

As euphoric as we all are at the moment, we must also look at the teams we have beaten at home, and equally struggled and folded against Huddersfield and West Ham respectively.

I know Rome wasn't built in a day, and all that, but the true test will come against Man Utd, who are not exactly setting the Prem alight themselves, but surely are better quality than the teams we have played thus far.

Ian #134, while there is a strong feeling that you shouldn't (unless enforced) change a winning side, I worry where the goals are going to come from on Sunday.

Okay, Richarlison, Bernard and Walcott all seemed to have an off-day against Palace, hopefully it was just that, and are ready for the challenge against Man Utd in a partisan atmosphere at Old Trafford.

They are ruthless going forward. I just hope Digne and Seamus have a good game defensively and we put a mdfield player out who can tame Pogba.

I don't worry about us going forward because they are weak at the back and goals will flow for us.

I have a feeling a 3-3 is on the cards.

But...We are also a long way away from those last two seasons of unadulterated pony, which is enough to make us all feel a lot better right now mate!

It's good to watch and I'm happy but hoping for further improvements over the season. There is so much positivity that I'm concerned when we don't win our next game the good points will soon be forgotten.

So, despite the smiles and cheers, the main difference in some of our wins to losses is simply effort and luck.

When put under pressure we still appear easy to get at. Palace aren't the first team to hit the woodwork against us. They also had a penalty saved (never a pen) and a few good chances that were not capitalised on.
We could easily have lost or at least be left chasing the game.

We got hammered last season at Old Trafford so for me any improvement on that will do as long as we continue to play good football, entertain and put the effort in. It's still very early days despite 3 wins in a row.

Minor point but pretty much from kick-off Zaha jumps in studs raised high towards Keane and the ref does nothing. I'm pretty sure had that been the other way around a card would have deservedly been shown against Keane. It just frustrates that so many obvious things go unpunished like Richarlison getting constantly fouled.

Sorry, please continue to smile whilst enjoying the 3 points..

The point you were making was flawed and made no sense. We won the game because of Silva's subs. How can you criticise the timing of them when it worked to perfection? That kind of criticism is daft as you have no idea what would have happened if they were brought on earlier.

Criticising Silva for poor decision-making is absolutely fine, except in this instance he got it bang-on.

Which goes to demonstrate that some only want to come on here to moan!

When things are going well, there is less to worry about.

When things are going bad, we want it fixed, and will be primed to elucidate.

Hence the more numerous posts by rightfully concerned Evertonians.

But, saying that, even so we are 1,000 times better than last season! I am actually looking forward to watching us every week now, rather than the back end of last season under Big Fat Sam when it was a chore.

As Victor Meldrew was once quoted as saying "I don't believe it!" :-)

I see your point mate, but when it worked out you simply can't argue.

People on here jumping all over you for your comment, but I agree, he should be more proactive with subs, yes it's worked out but imo he's got a little lucky. (Long may it continue!)

Before anyone pulls me on this, I'm well aware that we won both games; I'm also well aware that subs had an impact but Walcott, for example, should have been dragged earlier in the last game as well as dragged vs Leicester. He's clearly one of our better players, but he's been awful. A little kick up the rear may make him hungry, Sigurdsson was dragged off early a few games back and didn't like it too much but he bounced back with a vengeance of late!

I'm looking forward to our supporters singing about Oviedo Baby, followed by a rousing chorus of the 'Sacked in the Morning' song to Mourhino.